What is Hydrology ?
Introduction / Definition
Hydrology is the science that studies water on the Earth — its occurrence, movement,
distribution, quality, and relation with the environment and living things. In short, it explains the
water cycle and water resources.
Origin of the Word
The term Hydrology comes from two Greek words:
• “Hydro” meaning water
• “Logos” meaning study or science
So, hydrology means “the science of water.”
Definitions by Hydrologists
• According to UNESCO (1970): “Hydrology is the science which deals with the waters of
the Earth, their occurrence, circulation, and distribution, their chemical and physical
properties, and their reaction with the environment including their relation to living
beings.”
• According to Chow (1964): “Hydrology is the science that treats the waters of the Earth,
their occurrence, circulation, and distribution, their properties, and their relationship with
the environment.”
• According to USGS (United States Geological Survey): “Hydrology is the science that
encompasses the occurrence, distribution, movement, and properties of the waters of the
Earth and their relationship with the environment.”
Father of Hydrology
The Father of Hydrology is Pierre Perrault (1608–1680), a French scientist.
• He is given this title because he was the first to scientifically demonstrate, in his work
“De l’Origine des Fontaines” (1674), that rainfall is the main source of rivers and
groundwater.
• Before him, many people believed that rivers originated from the sea or from mysterious
underground sources. His research established the foundation of modern hydrology.
Conclusion
Hydrology is the scientific study of water in all its forms and processes. The word itself reflects
its meaning — “science of water.” With contributions from many scientists, especially Pierre
Perrault as the father of hydrology, this subject has become essential for understanding water
resources, managing floods, ensuring irrigation, and tackling modern challenges like climate
change.
What is Hydrological Cycle 🌍💧
Introduction
The hydrological cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth’s
surface. It describes how water changes its form and circulates between ocean, atmosphere, and
land.
Definitions by Hydrologists
• According to UNESCO (1970): “The hydrological cycle is the continuous circulation of
water in the Earth-atmosphere system by evaporation, transport, precipitation,
infiltration, runoff, and return flow to the ocean.”
• According to USGS (United States Geological Survey): “The hydrological cycle
describes the movement of water from the Earth’s surface to the atmosphere and back
again, involving various physical processes.”
Main Processes of the Cycle with Examples
✦ Evaporation – Water turns into vapor due to heat. Example: Water
evaporates from the Bay of Bengal.
✦ Transpiration – Plants release water vapor through leaves.
Example: Paddy fields in Bangladesh increase humidity.
✦ Condensation – Water vapor cools and forms clouds. Example:
Clouds forming over the Himalayas.
✦ Precipitation – Water falls as rain, snow, or hail. Example:
Monsoon rainfall in Bangladesh.
✦ Infiltration – Water soaks into the soil, recharging groundwater.
Example: Rainwater entering village fields.
✦ Runoff – Excess water flows into rivers, lakes, or seas. Example:
Rainwater flowing into the Padma River.
✦ Groundwater Flow – Water stored underground slowly moves and
feeds rivers or wells.
Example: Tube wells in Rajshahi get water from aquifers.
Conclusion
Thus, the hydrological cycle is the natural recycling system of water, ensuring its continuous
availability on Earth. It balances water between sea, land, and air, making life possible.
What are the processes& reservoir of hydrological cycle?
Water is a vital element of the Earth’s system, moving continuously through different
phases and environments in what is known as the hydrological cycle. This cycle connects
the atmosphere, land, oceans, and living organisms through various processes such as
evaporation, precipitation, infiltration, and storage. Each process is linked to specific
reservoirs that hold water temporarily or permanently, making the cycle an endless system
of renewal that sustains life, regulates climate, and balances ecosystems.
Processes of hydrological cycle:
✦ Evaporation :
• Water changes from liquid to vapor due to heat.
• Example: Evaporation from the Bay of Bengal adds moisture to the atmosphere.
✦ Transpiration
• Plants release water vapor from leaves.
• Example: Paddy fields in Bangladesh contribute to local humidity through
transpiration. ✦ Condensation
• Water vapor cools and turns into tiny droplets forming clouds.
• Example: Clouds forming over the Himalayas due to moist air cooling at higher
altitudes. ✦ Precipitation
• Water returns to Earth as rain, snow, hail, or sleet.
• Example: Heavy monsoon rainfall in Chattogram during June–September.
✦ Infiltration
• Water seeps into soil and recharges groundwater.
• Example: Rainwater infiltrates sandy soils in Rajshahi to recharge wells.
✦ Runoff
• Excess water flows over land into rivers and oceans.
• Example: Runoff from the Meghalaya Hills feeds into the Surma–Meghna River
system. ✦ Storage
• Water is stored temporarily in oceans, glaciers, lakes, and underground aquifers.
• Example: The Hoar wetlands in Sylhet act as a seasonal water storage area.
Reservoirs of the Hydrological Cycle :
✦ Oceans and Seas
• Hold about 97% of Earth’s water, mainly saline.
• Example: The Pacific Ocean is the world’s largest reservoir of water.
✦ Glaciers and Ice Caps
• Store freshwater in frozen form.
• Example: The Himalayan glaciers supply water to the Ganges–Brahmaputra system.
✦ Groundwater and Aquifers
• Store water underground within soil and rock layers.
• Example: The Barind Tract in Rajshahi uses aquifers for irrigation.
✦ Surface Water (Rivers, Lakes, Wetlands)
• Small fraction but vital for ecosystems and people.
• Example: The Padma and Jamuna rivers are major surface water reservoirs in
Bangladesh.
✦ Atmosphere
• Contains water vapor and clouds, though very little compared to oceans.
• Example: Tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal develop due to high atmospheric
moisture.
The hydrological cycle is the lifeline of the planet, linking processes such as evaporation,
precipitation, and infiltration with reservoirs like oceans, glaciers, and aquifers. Together,
they form a continuous system that maintains the global water balance, supports
agriculture, sustains ecosystems, and regulates climate. By understanding these
processes and reservoirs, we can better manage floods, mitigate droughts, and ensure
sustainable water use for future generations. Every stage of the cycle shows how water is
not only a resource but also a dynamic force shaping life and the environment.
